Infiniti Q80 Inspiration unveiled

Infiniti has revealed its Q80 Inspiration – a “concept born to disrupt the premium saloon category” – according to Francois Bancon, Infiniti Vice President, Product Strategy.

He added: “We aim to do this with elegance, style, and emotion. Q80 Inspiration is how we see the future in terms of moving people in the higher end of our portfolio.

This car is making a statement. Q80 Inspiration is a precursor of a production model in this segment and, as such, integral to our future.”

“Luxurious sedan-like in dimension with fastback contouring”, the Q80 is just 1340mm (52.8 inches) at its highest point.

The Q80 Inspiration has 550hp at its disposal, delivered by an all-new, downsized twin turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 and hybrid electric powertrain and it’s capable of 40mpg+.

Infiniti’s Q80 Inspiration also previews the company’s philosophy on autonomous technology – namely that it should enhance the driver and not restrict them.

Using cameras, lasers and sensors, the ingenious technology can be employed by the driver when needed through a button on the left-hand side of the steering wheel.

Ongoing dialogue between the driver and the autonomous driving technology system, via a clever HUD display projected on the windscreen, enables the driver to utilise driving assistance at his/her own discretion.

The system emits tones suggesting a course of action for the driver in heavy traffic or in highway mode. The final decision – whether to accelerate and overtake or whether to brake and fall in behind the car ahead – always rests with the driver.

Having seen it in the flesh, all we can say is that the Infiniti Q80 Inspiration is a serious statement of intent, and if the finished product is anything like the concept – Infiniti are on to an eye-catching winner…

About Gareth Herincx

Gareth is a versatile journalist, copywriter and digital editor who's worked across the media in newspapers, magazines, TV, teletext, radio and online. After long stints at the BBC, GMTV and ITV, he now specialises in motoring.